SOHH ATLANTA
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Estelle & Solange Concert Review + Retail Chick Offers Advice To Aspiring Artists When It Comes To Hiring Mangers, Publicists & More
Posted on March 16, 2009 5:32 AM
Estelle & Solange Knowles rolled through Atlanta last week to show us southern folks how they get down. And thanks to Estelle's team I got an all access pass.
Check out pics and my review below.
Center Stage [or is the CW now] hosted the rhythmic entertainers. The venue was packed as Solange, and the singer from the UK, tore up the stage with their respective sets.
Solange performed first. And I have to give her props because she's really the truth! Solange is everything Beyonce isn't yet it works for her in more ways then I'd ever imagine. You could hear all kind of cuss words falling out of this chicks mouth throughout her set, which made me fall in love with her more and more. Solange is definitely on to something with her fusion of the 60's and today.
Did y'all know she has a song on her album talking about weed?
And I even got to give S.K. her props on the personal tip as well b/c I had the chance to meet her backstage and she's really just a regular girl. There was no heightened security. Not a hint of anything 'extra'. Just she and the crew. Oh, and her cute son, who's name escapes me. I know I could google it, but do we really care?
Solange singing with her girls
Janelle Monae was there.
Estelle & Gyant. Why do I always look like a deer caught in headlights. Smh.
Though Estelle is getting her respect, slowly but surely, here in the U.S., the London singer is nothing short of sheer brilliance. Estelle's performance had great energy. Her set was simple, but powerful.
Estelle performed all the hits from her current album, which included "American Boy". And while Estelle is no dancer, she carries herself on the stage like a professional. I loved her "F*ck you" skit. I see Estelle being a great force in this game. And I'm more then confident that people are finally getting the memo that light and woven doesn't signify talent.
I have ton's of video from the show, which I be uploading this week. [Mac issues]
I got to give a big shout out to Estelle's team: Tracy Nguyen, Phillana Williams for the access. Estelle, Solange & Janelle, too.
And I got to shout out Donna Pernell for the pics.
But Let's Move On...
I have been having this conversation privately with people for years, but it looks like Mrs. Retail Chick is putting it out there officially. In fact, she blasted out an email on the topic over the weekend about it.
The Internet is a great tool, but nobody can deny that the world wide web has open the flood gates when it comes to people trying to get in the music business. But it's not just aspiring artists that are getting in the game anyway they cant. It's also "managers", "publicists" and "consultants" that's sliding through causing all kind of problems for folks.
Allow me to let Retail Chick break it down:
I need some of these new music industry cats to chill out with the BIG TITLES. I have met at least 5 more PR people since the year started. And what's worse is that out of the 10 that I met before them, I question how many were credible. I have met more than a couple of "Consultants" as well. I just wonder if the expert advice people give these days really is guiding new artist in the right direction. As for managers. Oh my!!! I have met a couple of artists that should re-think the contracts they signed.
You see, PR is all about relationships. Here's an example: If you have a listening session and no one comes out that is going to write about you, blog about you, or sell your music in a store or online...then you should ask that PR person for a REFUND. Just think about how many people attended your event and who they (the PR person) introduced you to that were beneficial to your success.
The management side, in my opinion, is about vision, creativity, the ability to execute, and relationships. It's not about your boy, that really believes in you, but has NO idea about the business side of the music industry. I know it's hard to operate without a big budget. But what can you do with what you have to work with? So there isn't 50,000 dollars at your disposal, all you have is 5,000. What kind of innovative thinker is your manager? Put them to the test. If they get some ideas (better known as a marketing plan/budget) together before you start spending money, you probably have or are a good one. They should be helping you MANAGE that $5K the right way. In addition to that, before you get a manager, make sure you have something to manage. :)
Last but not least, lets talk for a second about street teams...the big promotions/marketing "we break songs and make brands" companies. I personally know 5 companies that I have worked with, in the store, over the last 10 years, that go HARD for their clients! Then I also know others that drop off posters with no attempt to put them up, bring in promo cd's or flyers and don't know shit about the music or DVD they are promoting. Some of them have even thrown promo materials away because they are "tired of putting them out." *By the way, if you need some recommendations let me know*
From what I have seen as a music retailer, a lot of things need to change in the industry to make it better. I'm just skimming the surface with this . So make sure you think twice about some of these new music industry people with these BIG TITLES. Check out what they have done that makes them credible and be clear about what they can do for you!
I agree 100 Percent!
Y'all need to do your homework on the people you hire to help you. There's at least two artist's, who are signed to major record labels, that I know won't go anywhere b/c their manager[s] simply isn't qualified.
I don't wanna say no names. But its more then evident.
Talk to y'all lata,
--SOHH Gyant
Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com
4 Comments
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I love Estelle. she's a brilliant singer and she seems like a very nice person. solange? i dunno..not a fan at all. there are rnb artists that sing way more better than she does and don't get any attention or perform at events.
I like Estelle but I believe her singing ability can improve.
The best r&b diva is Conya Doss. There aren't too many comparisons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
While I agree with Retail Chick to an extent, there is a flipside to her coin. What of people with relationships and have all of the experience, but don't have the time or want to really help a new artist? As much as there is a plethora of people claiming to be "industry", there are a good amount of "industry" people without the foresight and fortitude to take on an unknown artist and commit to make them known. Me personally, If I was an artist I would have no problem hiring my homeboy if I believe in him. Everybody has to start somewhere. Look at many of the managers of top artists today (Manny, Jason Geter, Kyambo, Gee), they got their start as somebody's "homeboy"...It ain't like Yung (insert name here) can call up Benny Medina and make it happen right?